Integrating Pediatric Diabetes Education Into Routine Clinical Care
The Families, Adolescents and Children’s Teamwork Study (FACTS)
- Helen R. Murphy, FRACP1,
- Clair Wadham, RSCN1,
- Gerry Rayman, MD1 and
- Chas T. Skinner, PHD2
- 1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, U.K
- 2School of Psychology and Medicine, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, U.K
- Address correspondence to Dr. Helen Murphy, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Ipswich IP4 5PD, U.K. E-mail: helen.murphy{at}tiscali.co.uk
The importance of optimal glycemic control for children and adolescents to prevent the long-term complications of diabetes is well recognized (1). Educational interventions that increase parental involvement in blood glucose monitoring and insulin dose adjustment have demonstrated beneficial effects in specialist centers (2,3). The Families, Adolescents and Children’s Teamwork Study (FACTS) was developed to evaluate a family-centered, structured education program for children and young people that can be integrated into routine clinical care. The small group setting facilitates increased peer group contact for both children and parents and improves cost efficiency, allowing the program to be delivered within existing service …
